Open AccessDietary Protein Level Influences on Neurotensin-immunoreactive Cells in the Chicken Ileum
Author(s) -
Md. Salahuddin,
Kohzy Hiramatsu,
Kazumi Kita
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of poultry science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.495
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 1349-0486
pISSN - 1346-7395
DOI - 10.2141/jpsa.0190132
Subject(s) - neurotensin , ileum , enteroendocrine cell , biology , medicine , endocrinology , ingestion , epithelium , immunohistochemistry , immunocytochemistry , neuropeptide , cytoplasm , biochemistry , immunology , endocrine system , receptor , hormone , genetics
Neurotensin is secreted from intestinal N cells in response to the food ingestion. Influences of different dietary protein levels on neurotensin-immunoreactive cells in the chicken ileum were examined by using immunohistochemical and morphometrical techniques. The results showed that dietary protein had an obvious influence on neurotensin-immunoreactive cells in the chicken ileum. Four experimental groups were used, with dietary crude protein (CP) levels of 18% (control), 9%, 4.5% and 0%. Enteroendocrine cells showing neurotensin-immunoreactivity were located in crypts and villous epithelium in all groups. Most of the neurotensin-immunoreactive cells in the villous epithelium showed pyramidal or spindle-like shape with a long cytoplasmic process reaching the intestinal lumen, but cells with round or oval shape were found in the CP4.5% and 0% groups. Frequencies of occurrence of neurotensin-immunoreactive cells in the CP18%, 9%, 4.5% and 0% groups were 42.4±3.3, 36.6±2.2, 30.8±2.6 and 25.4±3.8 (cell count per mucosal area: cells/mm 2 , mean±SD), respectively. There were significant differences in neurotensin-immunoreactive cell frequency between the control and lower CP level, 4.5% and 0%, groups. A significant correlation was found between frequency of occurrence of neurotensin-immunoreactive cells and daily protein intake. These results indicate that ingested protein is likely to be a potential signal for neurotensin production and secretion of N cells in the chicken ileum.